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Related Concept Videos

The Phosphorus Cycle01:21

The Phosphorus Cycle

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Unlike carbon, water, and nitrogen, phosphorus is not present in the atmosphere as a gas. Instead, most phosphorus in the ecosystem exists as compounds, such as phosphate ions (PO43-), found in soil, water, sediment and rocks. Phosphorus is often a limiting nutrient (i.e., in short supply). Consequently, phosphorus is added to most agricultural fertilizers, which can cause environmental problems related to runoff in aquatic ecosystems.
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Chemolithotrophs are microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules such as hydrogen gas (H₂), ammonia (NH₃), reduced sulfur compounds (H₂S, S²⁻), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). Unlike heterotrophic organisms that rely on organic carbon, chemolithotrophs transfer electrons from these inorganic donors to the electron transport chain (ETC), generating a proton motive force (PMF) that drives ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation.
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Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
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Prokaryotic cells possess a variety of inclusions that play crucial roles in nutrient storage, metabolic processes, and environmental adaptation. These structures enable bacteria to thrive under fluctuating environmental conditions by storing essential resources and optimizing their metabolic efficiency.Carbon Storage: Poly-β-Hydroxybutyric Acid and Glycogen GranulesBacteria frequently store excess carbon in specialized granules. Poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB) granules are lipid...
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Proteobacteria, one of the largest and most diverse bacterial phyla, encompasses a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria distinguished by their outer membrane composed of lipopolysaccharides. These microorganisms exhibit various metabolic capabilities, including phototrophy, chemolithotrophy, and heterotrophy, and thrive in diverse environments from soil to aquatic systems and host-associated niches. The phylum is divided into six classes: Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria,...
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Compared with pure water, the solubility of an ionic compound is less in aqueous solutions containing a common ion (one also produced by dissolution of the ionic compound). This is an example of a phenomenon known as the common ion effect, which is a consequence of the law of mass action that may be explained using Le Chȃtelier’s principle. Consider the dissolution of silver iodide:
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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Assaying for Inorganic Polyphosphate in Bacteria
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Looking for phosphate-accumulating bacteria in activated sludge processes: a multidisciplinary approach.

Cédric Tarayre1, Raphaëlle Charlier2, Anissa Delepierre2

  • 1Microbial Processes and Interactions, TERRA Research Centre, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Passage des Déportés 2, B-5030, Gembloux, Belgium. cedric.tarayre@ulg.ac.be.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|January 30, 2017
PubMed
Summary

This study identified phosphate-accumulating bacteria in wastewater sludge, crucial for renewable fertilizer resources. Key genera like Acinetobacter were found to store polyphosphate granules, vital for nutrient recovery.

Keywords:
Microbial consortiumPAOsPhosphorus recoveryPolyphosphateRecyclingWastewater

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Biotechnology
  • Resource Recovery

Background:

  • Growing demand for renewable resources necessitates exploring alternative sources like wastewater.
  • Wastewater and sewage sludge are rich in phosphate, a valuable component for fertilizer production.
  • Phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are key to phosphate recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and characteristics of PAOs in four WWTPs.
  • To identify bacterial genera capable of accumulating phosphate from wastewater.
  • To confirm the storage of polyphosphate granules in selected bacterial strains.

Main Methods:

  • 16S metagenetic analysis to identify bacterial phyla in aerobic treatment.
  • Enrichment culture using acetate medium to stimulate PAO growth.
  • Selective isolation on 5-Br-4-Cl-3-indolyl phosphate agar.
  • Metabolic activity analysis (sulfur and phosphorus).
  • Electron microscopy to visualize polyphosphate granules.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial communities primarily comprised α-Proteobacteria, β-Proteobacteria, and Sphingobacteria.
  • Enrichment and selective isolation identified Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium, and Pseudomonas as potential PAOs.
  • Metabolic analysis showed significant phosphorus-related modifications.
  • Electron microscopy confirmed polyphosphate granules in selected strains, some exceeding 100 nm.

Conclusions:

  • Wastewater sludge harbors significant populations of phosphate-accumulating bacteria.
  • Specific genera, including Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium, and Pseudomonas, are key players in phosphate accumulation.
  • These findings support the potential for resource recovery of phosphate from wastewater for fertilizer applications.